King County Local Voters Pamphlet

  As a long time resident of Vashon Island, I know how important stability is to us. We are unique in King County; we have the only county cemetery district. It was established long ago in order to maintain in perpetuity a final resting place for our loved ones. As I approach retirement age, I appreciate more and more the importance of having a well-kept place to rest when the Grim Reaper calls.

  The district has three commissioners. I think it is a good idea to have diverse opinions concerning the operation of the cemeteries (there is an old one on Maury). Since my wife is currently one of the commissioners, I can assure you that if you elect me, there will definitely be diversity of opinion on the board.

  As a lifelong resident of Vashon, who grew up less than a half mile from the cemetery, I feel a position on the Cemetery Board is a good way for me to serve the community.

  As a child a neighbor used to take me with her to clean her Husband's grave and tell me stories of their life together. Now as an adult I take my children to the cemetery and we clean many family and friends gravesites and share stories and memories. The cemetery is a beautiful and historic site and its use and costs need to be monitored as Vashon continues to grow and change.

  I believe I am in a position to be an asset to this board and the community. I bring to this position my current involvement with Island Funeral Service and my long island history.

  Education: BA in chemistry, Smith College; PhD in Biochemistry, University of Washington.

  I live on Westside Highway not far from Cemetery Road in a house we built in 1979. Going past the cemetery almost everyday, I have become interested in its maintenance and support. Cemeteries are a fascinating link with the local history where the past, present and future meet in a very personal way.

  I have worked in the academic, public and private sectors as a clinical chemist and now run my own consulting business and a diagnostic laboratory in Pioneer Square. Having worked both for State Government and as an entrepreneur, I have very strong feelings about accountability in the use of public funds and think this should be applied at all levels.